Hall monitor for a health care facility

ABSTRACT

A wall-mounted electronic device holder is described. The wall-mounted electronic device holder displays information related to a patient room and/or a patient assigned to the patient room. The wall-mounted electronic device holder includes connections to a hospital communication network and power connections. The wall-mounted electronic devices includes input and output devices, such as a display and configurable light emitting devices to project information about the patient and/or the patient room.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/065,349, filed Aug. 13, 2020, and titled “HALLMONITOR FOR A HEALTH CARE FACILITY,” the content of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices (PEDs) (e.g., digital tablets, smart phones,and other electronic devices) are becoming more popular and prevalent inmodern day lifestyles. Hospitals are experiencing increased usage ofPEDs, either by patients and/or by hospital personnel. PEDs are beingused in hospitals for communication, education, video conferencing witha patient who is in a hospital bed, and entertainment of the patient.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

Embodiments herein are directed to portable electronic device (PED)related assemblies that are employable in a health care facility and cansupport the use of a PED or other electronic device on a wall of thehealth care facility to provide access to data and receive inputs and/orsignals from users. In some embodiments, a PED related assembly includesone or more communication, data, and/or power cable assemblies that canbe readily disconnected interchange, remove, or otherwise interact withthe device. In some embodiments, a PED related assembly includes a PEDholder with an output connector that is connectable to an input port ofa PED held in the PED holder. As a result, a PED can be supplied powerand/or data via a connection that enables use of the PED.

One general aspect includes a surface-mounted electronic device holderincluding a housing to contain an electronic device including a display,the housing including a first portion adapted for mounting thesurface-mounted electronic device holder to a surface of a health carefacility, the housing also including a second portion defining anopening through which the display is accessible by a user. The holderalso includes one or more interfaces adapted for connection to at leastone of a power or a data cable of a health care facility, the one ormore interfaces disposed in the housing, where: a first interface of theone or more interfaces is operatively coupleable with the electronicdevice such that power received from the power and data cable isprovided from the first interface to the electronic device, and a secondinterface of one of the one or more interfaces is operatively coupledwith a communication system of the health care facility such that asignal is provided from the second interface to the communication systemvia the power and data cable.

One general aspect includes a surface-mounted electronic device holderfor placement outside of a patient room. The surface—mounted electronicdevice holder also includes an electronic device including a processor,memory, and visual interface. The holder also includes a housingenclosing a space to contain the electronic device; a first interfaceoperatively coupleable with the electronic device such that powerreceived from a power over ethernet (poe) cable is provided from thefirst interface to the electronic device, and one or more configurablelight emitting devices positioned on the housing.

One general aspect includes a method. The method also includes placing ahousing of a surface-mounted electronic device holder on a surfaceadjacent a patient room of a health care facility. The method alsoincludes placing an electronic device within the housing. The methodalso includes connecting the electronic device to a power and datacable, the power and data cable operably coupling the electronic deviceto one or more systems of a health care facility. The method alsoincludes connecting the electronic device to a light emitting deviceconnected to the housing. The method also includes securing theelectronic device within the housing.

One general aspect includes a method. The method also includesdisplaying, on a display of an electronic device positioned in asurface-mounted electronic device holder associated with a patient room,a first set of information including data corresponding to a status ofthe patient room. The method also includes receiving authenticationinformation, via an authentication sensor, associated with an individuallocated in proximity to the electronic device positioned in thesurface-mounted electronic device holder. The method also includesdisplaying, on the display, a second set of information in response toreceiving the authentication information, the second set of informationincluding data corresponding to a patient within the patient room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, inwhich use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended toillustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 shows a doorway in a hospital facility with a PED holder assemblypositioned on the wall to present information and receive inputs, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a doorway in a hospital facility with multiple PEDsurface-mounted PED holder assemblies positioned on a wall to presentinformation and receive in puts, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a surface-mounted PED holder assembly including a displayof the PED and device for receiving input data, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a surface-mounted PED holder assembly includingconfigurable illumination devices around the perimeter of the assembly,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows the surface-mounted PED holder assembly in an openconfiguration, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a method of installing thesurface-mounted PED holder assembly, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram of a method of authenticating auser identity to display additional data at a wall-mounted electronicdevice within a PED holder assembly, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of elements included in a PEDholder assembly and connections between system elements, in accordancewith some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention are described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Some embodiments herein are directed to a surface-mounted (e.g.,wall-mounted) electronic device holder positioned on a wall outside aroom of a health care facility. The surface-mounted electronic deviceholder may include information such as an identifier of the room as wellas information related to the health care facility. The electronicdevice contained within the holder may be a self-contained electronicdevice, such as a personal electronic device (PED), or may be a built-inelectronic device. The electronic device may be connected to a wired orwireless network of the health care facility and may also be connectedto one or more other electronic devices through a wireless or wiredconnection, such as through an Ethernet cable which may provide bothpower and data connections to the electronic device, for example througha power-over-Ethernet (POE) connections.

In some examples, the wall-mounted electronic device holder may bepositioned within the room, or may be positioned away from the room,such as at a standalone station where personnel may interact with theelectronic device, such as to update health records of patients withinthe facility.

The wall-mounted electronic device holder may also include additionalmeans of displaying information, such as with moveable flags to attractattention, projected displays, illuminated lights, sound-producingdevices, and other such output devices.

In some examples, the wall-mounted electronic device holder may providea voice and/or a video communication interface into a room of thehealthcare facility, for example for a physician to check on the statusof a patient before entering a room. The device holder may include inputdevices, such as a physical button to interact with the electronicdevice, a microphone, touch screen, and other such input devices forinteracting with the electronic device in various ways.

Turning now to the drawing figures in which the same or similarreference identifiers refer to the same or similar components throughoutall of the drawing figures, FIG. 1 shows the entrance to a patient room100 with a surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 positioned on awall 101 of a health care facility adjacent a door 102. Thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may include one or moredisplays 106. In various embodiments, the displays 106 may be or includea PED as described herein. However, the displays 106 may be separatefrom a PED. For example, the displays 106 may be or include a monitorthat can display data, for example, data received from a PED.

The surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may also includephysical identification information, such as a marking indicating a roomsuch as a room number in alphanumeric characters and/or other characterssuch as braille or other fixed features on a housing 110. For example,the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 can include a plate 111that can include the markings (e.g., a room number, notes, and/orbraille). The plate 111 can be or include a removable plate. Forexample, the plate 111 can be removed and replaced with a differentplate 111. In some embodiments, the plate 111 can include a surface onwhich notes may be written directly (e.g., a surface that isnon-permeable and smooth capable of writing on with dry-erase markers,whiteboard markers, and the like). The housing 110 may additionally oralternatively include devices 108 for attaching or affixing temporaryplacards, papers, notes, and other such materials that may be placed orreferenced by staff within the healthcare facility. The housing 110 mayinclude a surface on which notes may be written directly, such as asurface that is non-permeable and smooth capable of writing on withdry-erase markers, whiteboard markers, and the like. In someembodiments, the housing 110 can be attached to the wall 101 via apivoting mount. The pivoting mount can allow the housing 110 to pivotrelative to the wall 101. For example, the pivoting mount can allow thehousing 110 to tilt up or down and/or side to side.

The housing 110 can include one or more pieces. For example, the housing110 can be or include multiple pieces that can be connected to form aninterior volume. However, the housing 110 may be a single piece. Forexample, the housing 110 can be a single piece with an opening forinserting, for example, a PED. In some embodiments, the housing 110 caninclude a panel and/or a door. The panel and/or the door can beconcealed on the housing 110. The panel and/or the door can includeslides, hinges, or any suitable movement component.

In various embodiments, the housing 110 can include a holder 105. Theholder 105 can hold various objects. For example, the holder 105 can beor include a hook for holding, for example, keys. The holder 105 canadditionally or alternatively be or include a holder for a stylus.

In further embodiments, the housing 110 can include one or more buttons107. The buttons 107 can be used, for example, to control the PED and/orthe display 106. For example, the buttons 107 can be or include volumecontrol buttons. The buttons 107 can additionally or alternatively beused to control a TV (e.g., a TV in the patients room) and/or a climatecontrol system (e.g., a climate control system in the patients room).The buttons 107 can additionally or alternatively be or include a panicbutton. The panic button can be connected with the speaker 134 discussedin reference to FIG. 5 . The buttons 107 can additionally oralternatively be or include a call button and/or a service button. Forexample, the buttons 107 can call a doctor and/or a nurse, for example,to the patients room 100.

In various embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include a disinfecting unit 109. The disinfecting unit 109 can beattached to the housing 110 and positioned to disinfect the housing 110,the displays 106, and/or any suitable surface of the surface-mountedelectronic device holder 104. For example, the disinfecting unit 109 canbe positioned on the top of the housing 110 and oriented downward todisinfect the front face of the surface-mounted electronic device holder104. The disinfecting unit 109 can continuously and/or periodicallydisinfect the front face of the surface-mounted electronic device holder104. For example, the disinfecting unit 109 can disinfect thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104 after an individual hasinteracted with the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104.However, the dispensing unit 109 may disinfect the surface-mountedelectronic device holder 104 at timed intervals or may continuouslydisinfect the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104. Thedisinfecting unit 109 can be or include an ultraviolet light, adisinfecting light, a disinfectant dispenser, and/or any suitable devicefor emitting or dispensing a disinfecting light and/or a disinfectingsolution. Additionally or alternatively, multiple disinfecting units 109can be included in the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104. Inthis case, a disinfecting unit 109 can be used to disinfect componentsthat do not belong to the electronic device holder 104. For example,this disinfecting unit 109 can include a slot for inserting a card, amobile device, a hand, etc. and the inserted component is treated (e.g.,with UV light and/or a disinfecting or anti-microbial solution). Thisdisinfecting unit 109 can also be a soap dispenser.

In further embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include one or more slots 113. The slots 113 can have an interiorvolume and one or more components for interacting with an item that maybe positioned within the interior volume. For example, a slot 113 caninclude an interior volume for receiving a cell phone and include acharge port, a charging surface (e.g., for wireless device charging),and/or a charging cable which can be used to charge the cell phoneinserted into the slot 113. In further embodiments, the slot 113 caninclude an ultraviolet (UV) light and/or a similar disinfecting lightthat can disinfect an item (e.g., a phone) inserted into the interiorvolume of the slot 113. The slots 113 can additionally or alternativelybe or include a dispenser, for example, dispensers for dispensingdisinfecting solution. For example, the slots 113 can be or include adispenser for dispensing disinfecting soap and/or hand sanitizer.

In various embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include an authentication sensor 103. For example, theauthentication sensor 103 can detect a user and send instructions tounlock the displays 106 and/or the PED. The authentication sensor 103can be or include a biometric authentication sensor.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , the entrance to the patient room 100 is shownwith surface-mounted electronic device holders 104 positioned on thewall 101 on opposing sides of the door 102. The surface-mountedelectronic device holders 104 can be the same type (e.g., can have thesame components and/or interfaces), however, the surface-mountedelectronic device holders 104 may be different types (e.g., havedifferent components and/or interfaces). For example, thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104 a can include multipledisplays 106 and the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 b caninclude a display 106 and a plate 111. The surface-mounted electronicdevice holders 104 can include communication hardware 115. Thecommunication hardware 115 can communicate with other surface-mountedelectronic device holders 104, the PED, and/or other components in thepatent room 100 and/or hospital. For example, the communication hardware115 can communicate with lights in the patient room 100 (includingsurgical lights and/or IOT or non-IOT specialty commercial lighting), asound system in the patient room 100, a nurse call system, anothersurface-mounted electronic device holder (to form an mesh network usinga communication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH®), and/or similarcomponents. Further, a surface-mounted electronic device holder (e.g.,104 a and/or 104 b) can include RTLS hardware (e.g., a radio frequency(RF) tag or RTLS repeater) to enable real-time locating systems (RTLS)determination of the location of the surface-mounted electronic deviceholder (e.g., as described herein, such a holder can be released from awall and moved around). Additionally or alternatively, the RTLS hardwarecan enable the locating of other components (e.g., mobile devices ornurse devices) by using one or more RTLS techniques (e.g., by receivingsignals from RTLS tags included in such components). In this way, thesurface-mounted electronic device holder can determine in real-time thelocations of such components.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , a surface-mounted electronic device holder 104(hereafter “holder 104”) is shown with enclosing an electronic deviceincluding a display 106. The housing 116 defines an opening around thedisplay 106 where the display 106 is visible and a user may interactwith the display 106. The surface-mounted electronic device holder 104may also include additional means of displaying information, such aswith moveable flags to attract attention, projected displays,illuminated lights, sound-producing devices, and other such outputdevices. The surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 includes roomidentifying information 117 as well as the electronic device displayinginformation about the room, patient, or other such information. Thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may also include input andoutput devices as described above. The surface-mounted electronic deviceholder 104 may also include connections for data and power connection ofthe electronic device to a system of the health care facility. Theholder may also include proximity sensors 112, and authenticationdevices 114, where the proximity sensors 112 and/or the authenticationdevices 114 may include RFID sensors, Near Field Communication (NFC)devices, Bluetooth devices, and/or other such sensors for, asapplicable, detecting a presence of and/or receiving authenticationinformation for verifying an identity of an individual who approachesthe room. Additional features of the surface-mounted electronic deviceholder 104 may include physical buttons for interacting with theelectronic device, vent holes, securing features such as securityscrews, sliding locks, magnetic locks, and the like to prevent removalof the electronic device, except by authorized personnel.

In some examples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 maybe releasably secured to the wall, or other surface, through the use ofa releasable securement or locking device. The releasable securement mayinclude a slider, hook, magnetic latch, or other such releasableattachment mechanism. The releasable securement may enable thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104 to be carried into apatient room or within some limited predetermined range, such as set bybeacons, geofences, or other such limitations. Upon passing or reachingsuch geographic limitations a signal may be conveyed to generate anotification that the holder 104 has been removed to a system of ahealthcare facility. Additionally warning signals and/or trackinginformation may be included to aid in recovery of the device if removed.

In some examples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 maybe released, such that the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104is removable from the wall, or other surface, after an identity of auser has been authenticated, for example using the authentication device114 described herein. For example, a caregiver may approach thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104, adjacent a patient room,and may authenticate their identity with appropriate credentials, uponauthentication of credentials the releasable securement may enableremoval of the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104, or aportion of the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 from thewall such that the caregiver can carry the surface-mounted electronicdevice holder 104 with the electronic device into the patient room foruse in taking notes or otherwise facilitating caregiving tasks. Thereleasable securement may receive a signal from the electronic device,or a controller device, in response to verification of theauthentication credentials, the signal releasing a mechanical,electrical, magnetic, or other actuatable locking mechanism such thatthe surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may be removed. Beforeauthentication of the caregiver, the surface-mounted electronic deviceholder 104 may be locked in place and not removable.

The display 106 may include information related to care of theindividual in the room, reservation, order, or other such information,and may include information gathered from within the room, includinginformation relating to a position of the bed, an alert light signaledby an alert switch, or other such information.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104is shown including configurable light emitting devices 370 around theperimeter of the housing 116. The light emitting devices 370 may providea visual indication of a room status, for example with green lights ordim lights indicating a normal condition while flashing lights or redlights may indicate an emergency status within the room. The lightemitting devices 370 may also indicate, for example that the patient isresting, reclined, out of the room, or any other patient status. In someexamples, the light emitting devices 370 may be accompanied by orreplaced with one or more projection devices to project displays onto afloor, ceiling, or wall of the health care facility. The projection mayindicate, for example a stop sign to indicate that a room should not beentered, or to project some particular information relating to apatient. The light emitting devices 370 may be configured based upon asignal from the electronic device or based on a signal from a centralsystem of the health care facility.

In some examples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 maybe accompanied by one or more peripheral devices, such as a handsanitizing station. The electronic device may be linked to the stationsuch that confirmation of personnel sanitizing hands can beaccomplished. This may include a proximity sensor, camera, contactsensor, or other such means of confirming use of the hand sanitizingstation. In some examples, the person may approach a room and theillumination panels may illuminate in a first color, red. The electronicdevice may display a message instructing the person to sanitize theirhands. Following confirmation of hand sanitizing, the lights may changeto green, indicating the person may enter the room.

In some examples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 mayinclude sensors to receive proximity information and/or identifyinginformation, such as RFID sensors, Near Field Communication (NFC)devices, and/or Bluetooth devices acting as authentication devices 114.The electronic device, or a system of the health care facility, maydetermine proximity and/or verify the identity of the person and performan action. For example, the lights of the holder may indicate that aperson should not enter a room, or that a room is secured. Followingverification of the identity of the person, the lights may change colorto indicate the person may enter the room. In some examples a lock orother such system may also be controlled such that only authorizedpersons can enter a room of the health care facility. In some examples,the electronic device may display a first set of information andsubsequently, after verification of an identity of an individual, maydisplay a second set of information as described with respect to FIG. 7. For example, the display may initially present general informationand, upon verification of the identity of a health care professional,may display patient information to the professional for their use. Suchpersonal information is thereby protected for the patient and easilyaccessible to the professional. In some examples, the surface-mountedelectronic device holder may include one or more interfaces forcommunicating with other electronic devices, such as through BLUETOOTH®.The other electronic devices may include electronic devices of personnelassociated with the health care facility, for example to update patientrecords from a physician device.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104is shown in an open configuration, in accordance with some embodiments.As illustrated, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may beformed of two or more components, such as a front 116A and a back 116B.In some examples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 maybe a unibody assembly with an opening to insert or access an electronicdevice contained therein. The front 116A defines an opening 118 throughwhich a display of the electronic device may be visible and/orinteracted with. For example, the display may include a touchscreen thatcan be interacted with by a user through opening 118. The touchscreencan be a negative pressure control screen to control operationsavailable at the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104.Additionally or alternatively, a negative pressure control screen can beused for such controls.

In various embodiments, the opening 118 can be or include a bezel. Thebezel can be adjustable, for example, based on the size of the display106 and/or the PED. For example, the opening 118 can be adjusted (e.g.,made larger or smaller) depending on the size of the display 106 and/orthe PED.

The front 116A includes walls and also includes internal components 120for interfacing with components of back 116B to positively engage whenassembled together. The internal components 120 are shown as blocks thatrest in the corners of the front 116A such that when front 116A and back116B are assembled together internal components 122 on the back 116Bengage with the corners of the front 116A as well as the internalcomponents 120 so positively engage and secure the front 116A and back116B together in a single location and orientation. Additional features,including security screws, magnets, cam-locks, pins, or any other suchfasteners may be used to secure the front 116A and the back 116Btogether.

The back 116B defines an opening 124 where one or more connections orinterfaces 312 may be inserted to connect an electronic device withinthe surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 to other systems, suchas systems and networks of a hospital, including power and dataconnections, such as a POE connection as described herein. The POEconnection may provide a power and data connection to enable theexchange of information as well as power to the electronic devicewithout the need for more than a single interface or cable. In someexamples, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104 may alsoenclose a backup power supply, such as a battery backup that enables theelectronic device or peripherals attached thereto (cameras, lights,sensors) to continue to function independent of a wired powerconnection. Connections to power and data, such as through POEconnections are included within the holder and provide a conduit forcommunication between the electronic device and a system of the healthcare facility.

The electronic device within the surface-mounted electronic deviceholder 104 may communicate with other devices, such as other hospitalequipment, for example to display information related to a status ofvarious devices and/or equipment in a patient room. The electronicdevice may be entirely standalone, not requiring computing power orresources of a remote computing device or server. In some examples, theelectronic device may communicate with one or more elements within thesurface-mounted electronic device holders 104, or within an environmententirely over BLUETOOTH®.

In various embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include cradling features 130 positioned within the housing 110. Thecradling features 130 can support an electronic device, a display of anelectronic device, or the one or more displays 106, for example, tomaintain the electronic device and/or the displays 106 such that thedisplay 106 and/or the display of the electronic device is aligned withthe opening 118. The cradling features 130 can be or include posts,magnets, suction cups, hook and loop fasteners, fasteners, adhesives,one or more ledges, one or more indentations in the housing 110, and/orany suitable feature or device that can support the electronic device toalign the display of the electronic device with the opening 118.

In various embodiments, the cradling features 130 can include rearsurfaces 128 to support a back of the electronic device and also includeraised edges to resist and/or prevent lateral and/or vertical movementof the electronic device. Though illustrated with four cradling features130, in some embodiments more or less cradling features 130 may beincluded to support the electronic device in the surface-mountedelectronic device holder 104. In some embodiments, the cradling features130 may be moveable to support electronic devices of different sizes.

In various embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include one or more speakers 134, for example, at least partiallypositioned within the housing 110. The speakers 134 can communicate withthe PEDs and/or the displays 106 to communicate with a patient and/orhospital staff. For example, the speakers 134 can be used to communicatealarms. The speakers 134 can additionally or alternatively be used tocommunicate with the speakers 134 in other PEDs and/or displays 106. Forexample, the speakers 134 can be used as part of a communication devicefor communicating with other PEDs and/or displays 106.

FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a method 600 of installingthe wall-mounted PED holder assembly, in accordance with someembodiments. The wall-mounted PED holder assembly may be thesurface-mounted PED holder 104 in some examples. In some examples, theholder may be installed on a wall or surface of a hospital or healthcare facility, for example adjacent an entry to patient room, in ahallway, within a patient room, adjacent a chair or bed, adjacent anexam table, or in any other suitable location.

At 602, the method 600 includes placing a housing of a surface-mountedelectronic device holder on a wall adjacent a patient room of a healthcare facility. The housing may include a mounting plate, such as back116B of FIG. 5 . The back 116B may be secured to the wall using anysuitable attachment means for securing to a wall or surface in apermanent or non-permanent manner.

At 604, the method 600 includes placing an electronic device within thehousing. The electronic device may be a self-contained device such as acomputer or tablet or may be a series of components connected oroperably coupled together, such as a processor, memory, display device,and other such components. The electronic device may be placed withinthe housing such that the display is visible through an opening in thehousing. The electronic device may be supported by supports to resistmovement of the electronic device within the housing once installed.

At 606, the method 600 includes connecting the electronic device to apower and data cable, the power and data cable operably coupling theelectronic device to one or more systems of a health care facility. Thepower and data cable may be connected to an interface as describedherein, including a POE connection or other such connection to providepower and/or data connection to the electronic device.

At 608, the method 600 includes connecting the electronic device to alight emitting device connected to the housing. The electronic devicemay power the light emitting device or the light emitting device mayinclude a separate power source. The light emitting device may includecolor-configurable light elements, projectors, such as to project animage, incandescent lights, LEDs, fluorescent lights, and the like. Theelectronic device may also be connected to other devices including, forexample a handwashing station, a flag or visual marker, or any othersuitable device that may be connected to the electronic device.Additional devices may include communication devices, proximity sensors,authentication devices, RFID sensors, Near Field Communication (NFC)devices, Bluetooth devices, biometric devices, wireless communicationdevices, and/or the like. In some examples, the flag or other suchmovable features may be actuated in response to a signal from theelectronic device or a health care system. The flag or other suchmovable feature may be connected to a motor, such as a stepper motor,and the signal may cause the motor or any other suitable actuator tochange a position of the flag, for example to draw attention to a room,indicate occupancy of a room, or provide other such signals as visualcues.

At 610, the method 600 includes securing the electronic device withinthe housing. The housing may be closed around the electronic device bysecuring portions of the housing together to enclose the electronicdevice. In some examples the housing may include a removable accesspanel that may be secured. The electronic device may be secured withsecurity devices such as security screws, magnetic latches, slidinglocks, and other such devices.

FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic diagram of a method 700 ofauthenticating a user identity to display additional data at awall-mounted electronic device within a PED holder assembly, inaccordance with some embodiments.

At 702, the method 700 includes displaying a first set of information ona display of an electronic device in a surface-mounted electronic deviceholder. The first set of information may include generic informationabout a room or facility. The generic information may not include anypersonalized or secure information. The first information may bereceived from a remote device accessed over a wired connection to theelectronic device. The electronic device in the surface-mountedelectronic device holder may, for example, be positioned outside apatient room in a healthcare facility. Initially only information thatis not privacy-protected may be displayed or visible on the screen. Theinformation may be read-only such that no information may be editable oradded prior to authentication.

At 704, the method 700 includes receiving authentication information,via an authentication sensor of the surface-mounted electronic deviceholder. The authentication sensor may include a proximity sensor, anRFID sensor, Near Field Communication (NFC) devices, Bluetooth devices,a biometric sensor, and/or other such devices to detect and verify anidentify of an individual in proximity of the surface-mounted deviceholder. The electronic device may, for example receive a signal from aproximity sensor indicating an individual in proximity of the holder. Inresponse, the electronic device may display a request for credentials ormay activate one or more authentication devices for receivingauthentication data. The electronic device may receive the credentialsthrough the authentication device.

At 706, the method 700 includes displaying a second set of informationon the display in response to receiving the authentication information.The second set of information may be displayed only after an identity ofthe individual is authenticated as in step 704. The second set ofinformation may include healthcare data, such as a patient electronichealth record or treatment records. Other such private information maybe included in the second set of information. The second set ofinformation may be read/write accessible such that an authenticatedindividual may add or revise information, for example to update apatient health or treatment log after visiting the patient. In someexamples additional actions may be triggered by the electronic deviceafter authenticating at 704. For example, a prompt may be displayed towash or sanitize hands before entering the room, with a hand sanitizerconnected to the electronic device capable of confirming use beforeallowing access into the room or before indicating, on the display, itis safe to proceed into the room. Additional data may be downloaded oruploaded to or from an individual's electronic device, such as a tabletof a treating physician to update a patient log in a hospital databasefollowing treatment of the patient.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a system 800 of a PED holderassembly and connections between system elements, in accordance withsome embodiments. The system includes a housing 802, a PED 804, a hub806, an interface 808, a peripheral A 810, a peripheral B 812, a POEconnection 816, and a health care facility system 814. The housing 802may be the same as PED holder 14 or surface-mounted electronic deviceholder 104 described above, including any variations thereof. Thehousing 802 may connect to a surface of a health care facility, a railof a bed in a health care facility, or any other rail or surface. ThePED 804 is likewise similar to the PED described herein and may includea self-contained computing device and/or a custom-built computing devicecontained within the housing 802. The peripherals 810 and 812 mayinclude additional devices such as lighting elements, projectors,authentication sensors, proximity sensors, communication devices,displays, screens, touch screens, disinfecting units (e.g., including UVlights, dispensing units, anti-microbial cleaning units, etc.), RTLSdevices, NFC devices, RFID devices, device chargers, built-in display(e.g., for screen mirroring/extending), a negative pressure controlscreen, and other such additional components combined within the housing802.

In various embodiments, the surface-mounted electronic device holder 104can include hardware for interfacing with one or more of theperipherals. For example, the surface-mounted electronic device holder104 can include hardware connections to connect with one or more of theperipheral systems.

The housing 802 and the PED 804 may include or be connected to varioussystems and other elements as described herein, including the healthcare facility system 814, an interface 808, peripheral A 810, andperipheral B 812. The POE connection 816 may optionally provide power tothe hub 806, the interface 808, the PED 804, and optionally to theperipherals 810 and 812 or other devices connected to the housing 802.The POE connection may provide data and power connections between thehousing 802 and the health care facility 814. The elements within thehousing 802 may be connected through wired connections, or may beconnected through wireless, BLUETOOTH®, or any other communication meansor technology. Additionally, the housing 802 may be able to perform allrequired calculations or logic and perform all methods internally, i.e.,without connection to an external server. In some examples an externalserver, such as the health care facility system 814 may be incommunication with the elements within the housing 802, over wired orwireless connections, such as POE connections as described herein,however the health care facility system 814 may not be performing thesteps of the methods or any required actions. In some examples, theexternal server may perform some portion of the methods describedherein.

The hub 806 may include connections to the various other elements withinthe housing 802 and may perform intermediate conveyance of instructionsand data between different elements of the system. For example, the hub806 may be connected to the PED 804 and the peripherals 810 and 812through wired or wireless connections. The hub 806 may include aprocessor and memory and be capable of receiving instructions or datafrom the PED 804, the health care facility system 814, interface 808, orthe peripherals 810 and 812 and communicating the data, or some portionof the data to any other system element. In an example, the PED 804 maysend instructions to illuminate an illumination element, which may beperipheral A 810. The illumination element may include lights orprojectors to illuminate an environment surrounding the housing 802 andmay not, for example, include backlit elements for buttons or other suchillumination devices. The hub 806 may receive the instructions from thePED 804 and may communicate with a driver of the illumination element toilluminate the lighting element in the instructed manner. In suchexamples, the hub may include wired connections to a driver board orcircuit for the peripheral, or may include the driver elements for theperipherals as components of the hub 806. In various embodiments, thehub 806 may be or include a processor. The 806 may be used tocommunicate with the various other elements within the housing 802 andmay additionally or alternatively be used to communicate with elementsoutside of the housing 802. For example, the hub 806 may be used tocommunicate with devices positioned in the patients room 100.

In some examples, the hub 806 can be used to communicate with othersurface-mounted electronic device holders 104. For example, the hub 806can be used as part of a mesh network to communicate with othersurface-mounted electronic device holders 104 and/or other electronicdevices (e.g., devices containing NFC communication, Bluetoothcommunication, RFID communication). Additionally or alternatively, thehub 806 can be coupled to one or more communication devices of thesurface-mounted electronic device holder 104, where at least one ofthese devices is a member of the mesh network. Further, the hub 806 canprovide pass-through power or converted power (e.g., step-up/step-down)power to one or more the communication devices and/or other peripherals.

In some examples, the interface 808 may include an assistance requestbutton, such as the assistance request button 62 described above. Theassistance request button may be actuated and cause a signal to beconveyed to the PED 804 through the hub 806. The hub may be capable ofconnecting to multiple devices such as the peripherals 810 and 812 inaddition to the interface 808 while still only requiring a singleconnection to the PED 804, thereby enabling use of self-contained PEDdevices such as mobile devices and tablets.

The communications between the hub 806 and the PED 804 may beidentified, e.g., to identify the source of a signal as from peripheralA 810 or interface 808 based on a pin identity associated with the hub806. In some examples, data may be appended with an identity of aperipheral device associated with the data as it is manipulated andconveyed by the hub 806. In some examples, the PED 804 may act as a hostdevice with the hub 806 acting as an agent of the PED 804.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surface-mounted electronic device holdercomprising: a housing to contain an electronic device including adisplay, the housing comprising a first portion adapted for mounting thesurface-mounted electronic device holder to a surface of a health carefacility, the housing also comprising a second portion defining anopening through which the display is accessible by a user; one or moreinterfaces adapted for connection to at least one of a power or a datacable of the health care facility, the one or more interfaces disposedin the housing, wherein: a first interface of the one or more interfacesis operatively coupleable with the electronic device such that powerreceived from the power and data cable is provided from the firstinterface to the electronic device, and a second interface of one of theone or more interfaces is operatively coupled with a communicationsystem of the health care facility such that a signal is provided fromthe second interface to the communication system via the power and datacable; an authentication sensor; and one or more processors that, uponexecution of computer-readable instructions, cause at least: displaying,on the display, a first set of information associated with a patientroom; receiving, via the authentication sensor, authenticationinformation associated with the user located in proximity to theelectronic device, the authentication information indicating that theuser is authorized to view a second different set of informationassociated with at least one of a patient within the patient room orwith the patient room; and displaying, on the display, the seconddifferent set of information in response to receiving the authenticationinformation.
 2. The surface-mounted electronic device holder of claim 1,further comprising one or more color-configurable lights positionedaround a perimeter of the housing.
 3. The surface-mounted electronicdevice holder of claim 1, further comprising a projector to projectgraphical information on a wall, door, ceiling, or floor of the healthcare facility.
 4. The surface-mounted electronic device holder of claim1, further comprising a proximity sensor communicatively coupled to theelectronic device and configured to activate the electronic device whenan individual is within a predetermined threshold distance of thesurface-mounted electronic device holder.
 5. The surface-mountedelectronic device holder of claim 1, wherein the authentication sensoris configured to detect credentials of the user and convey thecredentials to the electronic device or the health care facility forauthorization to display patient information on the display.
 6. Thesurface-mounted electronic device holder of claim 1, further comprisinga physical button on the housing, enabling an individual to interactwith the electronic device.
 7. The surface-mounted electronic deviceholder of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises internalcradling configured to support the electronic device and align a screenof the electronic device with the opening.
 8. The surface-mountedelectronic device holder of claim 1, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion are coupled with a locking connection including at leastone of: a magnetic slider, a security screw, or a hidden screw.
 9. Asurface-mounted electronic system for placement outside a patient room,the surface-mounted electronic system comprising: a housing enclosing aninterior volume; a first monitor of an electronic device, the firstmonitor at least partially positioned within the interior volume andcomprising a visual interface; a processor positioned within theinterior volume and coupled with the first monitor, the processorconfigured to send and receive data associated with the surface-mountedelectronic system; a first interface coupled with the first monitor suchthat power received from a power over Ethernet (POE) cable is providedfrom the first interface to the first monitor; one or more configurablelight emitting devices positioned on the housing; and an authenticationsensor; wherein execution of computer-readable instructions by theprocessor cause at least: displaying, on the first monitor, a first setof information associated with the patient room; receiving, via theauthentication sensor, authentication information associated with a userlocated in proximity to the electronic device, the authenticationinformation indicating that the user is authorized to view a seconddifferent set of information associated with at least one of a patientwithin the patient room or with the patient room; and displaying, on thefirst monitor, the second set of information based on receiving theauthentication information.
 10. The surface-mounted electronic system ofclaim 9, wherein the housing further defines a slot for receiving aportable electronic device.
 11. The surface-mounted electronic system ofclaim 10, wherein the slot comprises a charging device coupleable withthe portable electronic device when the portable electronic device ispositioned within the slot.
 12. The surface-mounted electronic system ofclaim 10, further comprising an ultraviolet light emitter.
 13. Thesurface-mounted electronic system of claim 9, further comprising acamera for capturing image data of an individual outside the patientroom.
 14. The surface-mounted electronic system of claim 9, wherein theone or more configurable light emitting devices selectively illuminatebased on a signal from the processor indicating a condition within thepatient room.
 15. The surface-mounted electronic system of claim 9,wherein the authentication sensor is communicatively coupled to theprocessor and is configured to receive authentication credentials fromthe user and convey the authentication credentials to the processor foruse in selectively displaying patient information on the first monitor.16. The surface-mounted electronic system of claim 9, further comprisinga second display coupled with the processor.
 17. A method, comprising:placing a housing of a surface-mounted electronic device holder on asurface adjacent a patient room of a health care facility; placing anelectronic device within the housing; connecting the electronic deviceto a power and data cable, the power and data cable operably couplingthe electronic device to one or more systems of the health carefacility; connecting the electronic device to a light emitting deviceconnected to the housing; and securing the electronic device within thehousing, wherein the surface-mounted electronic device holder isconfigured to: present, on a display of the electronic device, a firstset of information associated with the patient room; receive, via anauthentication sensor, authentication information associated with a userlocated in proximity to the electronic device, the authenticationinformation indicating that the user is authorized to view a seconddifferent set of information associated with at least one of a patientwithin the patient room or with the patient room; and present, on thedisplay, the second different set of information in response toreceiving the authentication information.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the housing comprises a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion and the second portion enclosing a space to contain theelectronic device including the display and the first portion definingan opening through which the display is accessible by a user, and one ormore interfaces adapted for connection to the power and data cable, theone or more interfaces disposed in the housing.
 19. The method of claim17, further comprising connecting the electronic device to theauthentication sensor, the authentication sensor configured to detectinformation relating to the user outside the patient room and convey theinformation to the electronic device for selectively presenting patientinformation on the display in response to receiving the information. 20.The surface-mounted electronic device holder of claim 1, wherein thesecond different set of information includes at least one of additionalinformation excluded from the first set of information or user interfaceinformation that allows edits to the first set of information.